Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 4: Clean suede and nubuck
• Method 2 of 4: Using soap
• Method 3 of 4: Using vinegar
• Method 4 of 4: Cleaning unfinished leather
• Tips
• Warnings

Whether it concerns furniture, cars, shoes or jackets, mold stains in leather must be tackled immediately. Use caution when cleaning the leather and make sure to test any cleaners you plan to use - be they household or other cleaners - in a small area before applying them to the stain itself.

To step

Method 1 of 4: Clean suede and nubuck

1. Spread a layer of petroleum jelly on the mold. First, test the petroleum jelly on a small, inconspicuous area to see how it works. Then apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the moldy areas. You can also use a cleaner specifically for suede, but read the cleanser's label first to make sure you can use it to remove mold.
   • Nubuck can discolour quickly, so be sure to test the cleaner you want to use beforehand.
2. Use a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water to remove more stubborn stains. If the fungus has not gone after using petroleum jelly or suede cleaner, treat the leather with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol.
   • Test the rubbing alcohol / water mixture on a small area of ​​the mold stain to make sure it doesn't discolor the leather.
3. Wipe away the fungus. Wet a soft cloth or sponge with water. Rub the petroleum jelly or suede cleaner gently into the leather with the cloth or sponge. Do the same with the rubbing alcohol and water mixture for more stubborn mold stains.
   • Repeat the process if necessary, but continue to apply gentle pressure even if you are unable to remove the stain. You can damage the material if you are not careful.
4. Let the leather dry. Set the suede or nubuck item aside to allow the leather to dry completely. Use a suede brush to brush up the fibers and restore the texture of the leather. You can buy a suede brush on the internet or at a shoe store.
   • Seek advice from a professional who knows suede if the fungus is still in the leather.

Method 2 of 4: Using soap

1. Remove loose mold. Brush the loose mold off the leather with a soft brush. Try to remove the mold outside so you don't spread the mold spores throughout your home. Wash the brush before use if you are using an old brush.
2. Vacuum the leather. Remove mold from panels and folds with your vacuum cleaner hose. Immediately dispose of the vacuumed mold so that the mold spores cannot spread further. Dispose of the vacuum cleaner bag with the mold as soon as possible and do not leave it in your house.
3. Treat the leather with soap. Make sure that the leather has been treated and therefore has a protective layer. Otherwise, don't get it wet. When the leather is finished, it means that it has a protective pigment layer. Use a sponge to apply a thick layer of soapy water to the mold, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.
   • Make sure the leather does not get too wet, otherwise it could be damaged.
   • Test if the leather is finished by dripping a small amount of water on it. If the area darkens or stains from the water, do not use soap and water to clean the leather. If the mold is near a zipper, the mold or bacteria may have gotten into the inner layer of your pillow or garment. Also treat the inner layer or buy a new pillow.
4. Wipe the leather with diluted alcohol. Dip a cloth in a mixture of 250 ml of denatured alcohol or isopropyl alcohol and 1 liter of water. Gently wipe the leather with the cloth to remove any remaining mold. Do not soak the leather and let it dry thoroughly afterwards.
   • Only use diluted alcohol if you are sure the leather is finished. Make sure to test the product on a small area of ​​the leather before using it to remove the fungus. The alcohol mixture can even damage finished leather.
5. If necessary, let the frame air out. Air out the inner parts of a furniture frame if you suspect mold has spread into areas other than the upholstery. Make sure to open the dust cover at the bottom and call a professional cleaning company that specializes in mold removal if there is a lot and stubborn mold.
   • Ask if the cleaning company has an ozone room. If so, ask them to put your furniture in that room for at least 48 hours.

Method 3 of 4: Using vinegar

1. Brush the surface with a dry brush. Use a dry, stiff brush with nylon bristles and brush off as much mold as possible from the surface. Mold spores spread very easily, so try to do this outside so you don't spread the mold around your home.
2. Use a mixture of water and vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and test the mixture on a small amount of the material. If the leather does not discolour, try to remove the fungus with the mixture. Do not over wet the leather.
3. Wipe and dry the leather. Dip a soft cloth in the vinegar mixture and gently clean the leather. Do not apply pressure as this can damage the leather. Set the leather object aside and let it dry.
   • This method often works well for mold-free leather shoes. However, you can use the mixture for other leather items as well, as long as you test the vinegar mixture first to see if it also discolors the leather.

Method 4 of 4: Cleaning unfinished leather

1. Use saddle soap. You can buy saddle soap on the internet or at a leather goods store. Use a damp cloth or cloth with an amount of saddle soap the size of a 2 euro cent coin on top. Massage the saddle soap into the cracks in the leather by letting the soap foam lightly.
   • Test the leather for finishing by dripping a small amount of water on an inconspicuous area. If the spot becomes dark or discolored, the leather is not finished.
   • Read the cleaner packaging and test a small amount on an inconspicuous area on the leather. Unfinished leather can be easily damaged because it is very porous. The wrong cleaner can easily penetrate the surface and damage the leather.
   • Never use the following cleaners to clean unfinished leather:
     • Detergents
     • Soap for household use, such as hand soap, facial cleanser and dish soap
     • Hand cream and lotion
     • Hand towels and baby wipes
     • Creams with lanolin
     • Rubbing alcohol
2. Wipe the leather. Wipe off the soap with another damp cloth. Make sure to wipe away the residue to thoroughly clean the material. Don't apply too much pressure, as this can damage the leather.
3. Let the leather dry. Let the saddle soap dry overnight, but do not put the leather in the sun as this can cause the leather to fade. Avoid direct heat and let the leather air dry.
4. Treat the leather with a maintenance product. When the leather is dry, treat it with a maintenance product. Do not forget to test the product in an inconspicuous place on the leather. Read the packaging to make sure that the care product is suitable for the type of leather in question. Mink oil works well on most unfinished leathers. You can buy leather care products at leather goods and shoe stores.
   • By treating the leather with a special maintenance product, it will not be damaged and it will continue to look beautiful.

Tips

• Use a dehumidifier to prevent your home from becoming too humid, which can cause mold to grow. Dehumidifiers are available in different sizes and price ranges.
• Treat mold immediately after discovering the spots, as the mold can penetrate deep into your pillows or other material. Severe mold can cause irreparable damage.
• Contact the leather item manufacturer for a list of suitable cleaners. Some manufacturers may offer to clean the leather themselves.

Warnings

• Mold in furniture can be very difficult to remove. Buy new pillows or new furniture if there is severe mold.
• Sunlight naturally kills mold but can also discolor leather if not properly treated.